The Carabao Cup returns this midweek and West Ham United will be looking to avoid an upset when they travel to League One Lincoln City on Wednesday, with kick-off at 7.45pm.

Team news: 

Lincoln captain Paudie O’Connor was pleased with his team’s fighting display despite their 2-1 loss to League One leaders Portsmouth last time out. The Imps have fallen away slightly after a positive start to the season under Mark Kennedy, while O’Connor’s fellow Irishman Daniel Mândroiu has been the key creative force this term. 

For West Ham, we can expect several changes as David Moyes balances a squad fighting on three fronts at this moment in time. We are likely to see the players who started their Europa League opener come back into the side, with the likes of Danny Ings, Aaron Cresswell and Said Benrahma all in with a chance of starting the game. 

Danny Ings to score first

West Ham’s increased squad depth means that they should be able to win this match, even with a second string team. However, the odds of 4/11 for them to do so away from home feel a little short so instead we have searched for value elsewhere. One man who it is easy to see getting on the scoresheet is Danny Ings. 

The former Southampton striker hasn’t found the net yet this season but is likely to be given more time to find his fitness here. With so many games, he is going to have to share the number nine spot with Michail Antonio, and this is the perfect chance for him to get up and running. He will likely be on penalties at Sincil Bank, and the 9/2 on him to score first in a game the away side could dominate looks fair. 

West Ham -1 handicap

Lincoln haven’t won in 90 minutes in the month of September and have only scored three goals in their last five matches in all competitions. Although Kennedy’s side sit in the top half, the gap between them and a West Ham side packed with players who are desperate to prove a point should be sizeable.

Therefore, the -1 handicap market at 21/20 looks tempting for a West Ham team who have looked excellent going forward so far this term. They’ve only lost away at Manchester City and Liverpool and should be able to return to winnings ways relatively comfortably here.